AEGEAN 600

At last night’s Awards Ceremony for the 6th edition of the AEGEAN 600, the podium finishers in numerous categories were not only recognized for their remarkable achievements, but it was evident that all teams who participated in this year’s race emerged as winners. The event was aptly described as epic, with the Aegean Sea presenting its signature challenges to the fleet under superb weather conditions that ranged from windy to light. The race also witnessed a record turnout of entries, and the atmosphere was filled with smiles and camaraderie.

An impressive show of perpetual and keeper trophies awaiting the Awards – in all 49 were awarded to teams competing this year

George Procopiou’s Volvo 70 AIOLOS (GRE) team filled the stage as the largest crew in the event, winners of the Maxi class and the Aegean Athena Trophy

Starting with the race’s beginning and ending at the Ancient Temple of Poseidon and ending under the stars last night at the stunning historic silver mine works of the Lavrion Technological and Cultural Park, all participants were reminded of the strong bonds of history and cultural that permeate this event and make it unique among major offshore racing events.

Combine this with world-class marina facilities at Olympic Marine and the very best in event organization, logistical support and Greek hospitality provided by the organizers at the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC) and Olympic Marine, this year’s event has further solidified the AEGEAN 600’s reputation as being “the offshore sailing world’s perfect 600 mile race.”

The PHILEAS FOGG (AUT) team showing their thrill at winning the Aegean Hera Trophy for being the first all-female team to finish the race

Those who have done this race often return for this reason, and the newcomers always gush with praise.

For example, this year’s race was the first for Vendee Globe veteran Pip Hare, who raced double handed with Leslie Moeller on his Pegasus 50 BELLEROPHON (USA) and had this to say.

“This race is a classic, the course is so different, it’s interesting fun, many opportunities to change places which keeps the pressure and the intensity up all the way,” she said. “The meteorology is extraordinary, you need to look at the forecast but also keep your eyes outside the boat. Things change in seconds, you have to react. It’s back to the roots of sailing in a way, eyes out of the boat and use those ancient learned skills of sailors for years. And why wouldn’t you want to look out of the boat? There are so many beautiful things to see here.

“I’ll be back – often I hope!”

Antoine Magre’s team received the AEGEAN 600 Trophy as overall IRC winner.

Another notable first impression came from another double handed team that was lauded for their perseverance on this inherently difficult course. Brothers Patrick and Vincent Harris sailing their Maisa 36 MOWGLI OF PORTSMOUTH (ESP), the oldest boat in the fleet designed in 1960, were the penultimate team to cross the finish line at 12:07 yesterday morning, yet still earned a 3rd place trophy on corrected time in their division on ORC scoring.

“The AEGEAN 600 was a true Odyssey—a voyage as much as a race through one of the world’s most mythical archipelagos,” said Patrick. “Every island revealed a new horizon, every headland a different wind, current and sea state. The mystery of this remarkable landscape constantly unfolded around us, making every mile unforgettable.

“Sailing with my brother Vincent, and finishing 3rd in the ORC Double-Handed Division, was a dream come true. 600 hundred miles, 600 hundred islands, 600 hundred memories, and 600 hundred new friends. An unforgettable adventure that will continue to inspire both my sailing and my paintings for years to come.”